Name: Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked shredded chicken; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 cup carrots, sliced; 1 cup celery, sliced; 1 onion, diced; 2 tbsp butter; 2 tbsp flour; Salt & pepper, to taste; 1 cup flour; 1 tsp baking powder; ½ tsp salt; ½ cup milk; 2 tbsp melted butter

Jump to Recipe·4 from 36 reviews

If you are craving warmth and comfort in a bowl, this Chicken and Dumplings Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender shredded chicken swimming in a creamy, flavorful stew filled with carrots and celery, all topped with fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth dumplings. It’s a timeless dish that never fails to bring that cozy, homemade feeling to the table, perfect for chilly evenings or whenever your soul asks for a little extra love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white bowl filled with a dish of shredded light brown chicken mixed with soft cooked noodles, all coated in a shiny golden broth. The chicken pieces are layered on top and spread throughout the noodles, which sit in the middle of the bowl. On the right side, there is a silver spoon resting inside the bowl. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple, familiar ingredients is the best part of this recipe. Each one plays a pivotal role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that transform everyday staples into an unforgettable meal.

2 cups cooked shredded chicken: The fragrant, tender protein base that makes this stew hearty and satisfying.
4 cups chicken broth: Provides a rich, savory liquid foundation, soaking all ingredients in warmth.
1 cup carrots, sliced: Adds sweetness and a subtle crunch that balances the stew’s creaminess.
1 cup celery, sliced: Offers mild earthiness and brightens flavor with its fresh, crisp bite.
1 onion, diced: Infuses deep, aromatic notes that meld beautifully with the broth.
2 tbsp butter: Used for sautéing, it enriches the stew with creamy, golden goodness.
2 tbsp flour: Acts as a natural thickener to create that luscious stew consistency.
Salt & pepper: Fundamental for seasoning and enhancing every bite.
1 cup flour (dumplings): The base that ensures soft, fluffy dumplings every time.
1 tsp baking powder: Gives rise to light, airy dumplings that float gently atop the stew.
½ tsp salt: Balances the dumplings’ flavor perfectly.
½ cup milk: Adds moisture and tenderness to the dumpling dough.
2 tbsp melted butter (dumplings): Injects richness and that irresistible buttery taste.

How to Make Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Start by melting your butter in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery, letting them soften and become fragrant. This step is where the foundation of flavor begins, as the vegetables release their natural sweetness while the butter adds depth.

Step 2: Create the Roux

Sprinkle the flour over the softened vegetables, stirring constantly to coat them evenly. Cooking the flour briefly is essential—it eliminates any raw taste and helps form that silky thick base that’s signature to this Chicken and Dumplings Recipe.

Step 3: Add the Broth

Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring, allowing the mixture to thicken and become smooth. This gradual blending ensures a creamy, velvety texture that will hold the dumplings without becoming too thin or watery.

Step 4: Incorporate Chicken and Seasoning

Now’s the time to stir in your shredded chicken, salt, and pepper. Let everything come to a gentle simmer so the flavors marry and the chicken heats through, making the stew rich and satisfying.

Step 5: Prepare Dumpling Dough and Add to Pot

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt for the dumplings. Then stir in the milk and melted butter until just combined. Using a spoon, drop spoonfuls of this dough into the simmering stew. Don’t worry about perfect shapes; rustic dumplings add to the charm.

Step 6: Cover and Cook Until Dumplings are Fluffy

Cover the pot tightly and let it cook without lifting the lid for about 15 minutes. This steam is crucial—it makes the dumplings puff up into tender pillows that soak up all the luscious stew flavors. Resist the urge to peek too soon!

How to Serve Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

A white plate filled with a creamy yellow sauce topped with light brown cooked strips of chicken mixed with green peas scattered on top. There are two golden brown pieces of fried dough resting above the chicken and sauce. Small green herb leaves are sprinkled over the dish for garnish. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme brightens the rich stew with a punch of color and herbaceous aroma. A grind of fresh black pepper just before serving also adds a subtle kick that complements the creamy broth beautifully.

Side Dishes

Chicken and dumplings stand as a hearty main on their own, but if you want to add some crunch and freshness, a simple green salad or steamed green beans make excellent companions. For a comforting touch, cornbread or warm biscuits round out the meal perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this dish straight from a rustic stoneware bowl to emphasize its home-cooked roots. For a special occasion, a swirl of cream on top and a scattering of finely chopped herbs can elevate the presentation without losing its cozy charm.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Carefully transfer any leftovers into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making your next meal just as tasty and comforting as the first.

Freezing

This Chicken and Dumplings Recipe freezes beautifully. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To freeze, cool the stew completely before sealing it tightly, ensuring the dumplings retain their texture upon reheating.

Reheating

When ready to enjoy your leftovers, gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the stew thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up while preserving the dumplings’ fluffiness.

FAQs

Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked chicken in this Chicken and Dumplings Recipe?

Yes, you can, but you will need to cook the raw chicken in the broth first until it’s fully cooked through before adding the dumplings. This may increase your cooking time slightly but yields equally delicious results.

What type of flour is best for the dumplings?

All-purpose flour works perfectly for fluffy dumplings. It provides the right balance of structure and tenderness. Avoid using whole wheat flour as it can make the dumplings dense.

Can I add other vegetables to this Chicken and Dumplings Recipe?

Absolutely! Peas, corn, or even diced potatoes can be wonderful additions. Just keep in mind that potatoes will take longer to cook so add them earlier in the process.

Why shouldn’t I lift the lid while the dumplings are cooking?

Keeping the lid closed traps steam inside the pot, which helps the dumplings cook evenly and puff up nicely. Lifting the lid lets steam escape and can result in dense or undercooked dumplings.

Is this recipe good for meal prepping?

This Chicken and Dumplings Recipe is fantastic for meal prep. Just keep the dumplings separate if you want to maintain their texture, adding them freshly when you reheat the stew portions.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about a bowl of homemade Chicken and Dumplings Recipe — it’s like a warm hug after a long day. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a dish that’s both nostalgic and wonderfully satisfying. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and make it your own cozy favorite.